I-Team Uncovers Online Breast Milk Sales

Maryland Law Does Not Prohibit Sale Of Breast Milk

Buying a woman's breast milk via the Internet may seem far-fetched, but no Maryland law prohibits such transactions.

Video footage recorded from a hidden camera shows an unusual transaction -- not that of drugs, but the selling of breast milk.

The WBAL-TV 11 News I-Team discovered mothers selling their breast milk -- often for a hefty price. In many cases, transactions require only half of the payment up front, and some sellers even accept credit cards.

The 11 News I-Team agreed to pay the couple in its hidden camera video $200 in cash for about a five-day supply. The transaction took place at a shopping mall.

Some states ban such sales by law -- but not Maryland. The 11 News I-Team later approached the couple involved in the report -- Amy and Brandon Redmond -- in the mall parking lot to ask why they were selling breast milk.

"Some women can't produce breast milk and I had a lot of excess," Amy Redmond said. "I thought it would be beneficial."

And then there's the money.

"I'm a physician assistant student, so when I'm in school, I really don't have any particular type of income. After we leave (this interview), we're going to buy my books," Brandon Redmond said.

Amy Redmond said this transaction marked the first time she has sold her milk online. She expressed shock that she received, within hours, people interested in buying her milk.

Redmond described herself in her post on the auction Web site eBay as a healthy nonsmoker who's also alcohol- and drug-free.

But even she admitted there's no way for the buyer to know that for sure.

"I was very surprised because I thought, 'You don't know me; I don't know you.' It's kind of strange, but I guess you take the chance and hope the person (is honest about their health) because it's going to a baby," Amy Redmond said.

Officials at the Mother's Milk Bank at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, which is among the oldest of 10 such facilities in North America, explained the dangers.

"It's a very dangerous practice because you just don't know what's in that milk," said Donna More, of the Mother's Milk Bank.

More said a mother in need of breast milk for a legitimate reason can obtain breast milk from a milk bank as long as she has a prescription from her pediatrician.

Some of the reasons some mothers need the breast milk of others include a low supply or because the mother adopted a baby.

The 11 News I-Team spoke with Amy Brahm at the milk bank. Brahm adopted Isabel and said she was allergic to formula, and wasn't thriving.

"We decided to give the breast milk bank a try. As soon as we began within the first week, she had gained weight and steadily has been gaining weight since then," Brahm said.

But insurance does not pay for the breast milk, and the out-of-pocket cost is almost $700 a week.

Though she might be able to get a better financial deal online, Brahm expressed concern about that option.

"You just don't know what the women are eating, drinking (or) what's in their system," Brahm said.

"There are viruses -- hepatitis can be transmitted through breast milk, HIV, even just bacteria that would be pathogenic to a baby's system," More said.

Breast milk donors must endure an extensive screening that includes written verification of their medical history and a blood test for diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

Once the donor passes screening, she sends her milk to the milk bank, where it goes through an extensive procedure to make sure its safe. There are no assurances like that for online buyers.